No surprise Marshall wants ball more

But Bears have more options this season while still targeting receiver more than anyone else

October 03, 2013|By Rich Campbell, Chicago Tribune reporter

Brandon Marshall completes a two-point conversion during the fourth quarter against the Lions at Ford Field. (Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports)

Brandon Marshall traveled a familiar path Sunday during a self-evaluation the Bears' 40-32 loss to the Lions prompted. He used the F-word — frustrated — in the context of how many times he was targeted.

"I have to do a better job of staying in the game when my number's not getting called and making the plays when they come," he said minutes after the game.

"A lot of times what you will see is guys get a little frustrated and when the ball comes, not making (the play). So that's something I have to do better this week. I have to look at myself. I have to make more plays and do a good job of coming down with them when there are not that many coming."

There's nothing unusual about a receiver, especially Marshall, lamenting few opportunities. But Marshall led the Bears on Sunday with 14 targets, and his team-high 42 are 10 more than second-ranked Martellus Bennett's and Alshon Jeffery's.

Marshall concluded his introspection by challenging himself and suggesting a solution, so the issue did not escalate into a full-scale drama. At the very least, though, it's a reminder that first-year coach Marc Trestman's relationship with quarterback Jay Cutler isn't the only one that demands special attention. Trestman has a similarly important connection with his mercurial No. 1 receiver.

"I don't talk to players very much on the sideline unless I have a reason to coach them up, but he hasn't been extraordinary in coming up to me and saying a few words," Trestman said. "And he has done it in a really good way. We've had discussions about it, but it hasn't happened a lot."

Marshall, who declined an interview request Thursday after sitting out practice with a foot injury, has been targeted more through four weeks than many top receivers. His 42 are tied for 10th-most in the NFL.

That, however, accounts for only 28.8 percent of Cutler's total targets. Last season, Marshall accounted for 40 percent.

"We're getting to a point in our offense (where) we have four or five guys we like and can't really worry about the structure of the play or the defense," Cutler said. "Whoever's open is open. It's just going to be a merry-go-round, and whoever it stops on that's where the ball has to go."

Cutler this season has exploited a deeper corps of downfield receiving options. Bennett has his trust as a tight end who can separate with good routes and outjump defenders. Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, a second-round pick in 2012, is stronger physically and has greater command of the playbook this season.

"We like to get the ball to him, and defenses know that," Cutler said. "We can position him different places. We've mixed it up quite a bit. But it's like a box-and-one in basketball. If the rest of the guys aren't helping you out, they'll stay in a box-and-one forever. So it's up to Alshon and Earl (Bennett) and Martellus. We just have to keep feeding them and feeding them, and eventually you have to get out of (the defense)."

How Trestman interacts with Marshall as the offensive transition continues will help determine whether there's sustained harmony. He brings to their dialogue an understanding of Marshall's desire for more targets, so perhaps that bodes well.

"I just try to explain to them what we're trying to get done," Trestman said. "You have an obligation to make sure the key players are targeted enough to where they know that we're giving them opportunities."

Trestman cited an example that occurred in the season-opening victory over the Bengals. Marshall caught the winning touchdown on a corner route he previously discussed with the coach.

Trestman welcomes input from players regarding how they believe opponents are defending them but he relies heavily on his own observations.

"There have been times where I've said, 'They're not doing what is perceived because we have the pictures and we can see that,'" Trestman said.

So how would Marshall meet Trestman's data and compassion if his emotions start to boil?

"I don't know if Brandon does diplomacy," Cutler said with a smile. "It's more of just, 'Hey, I need the ball.' He lets us know. He lets me know. He has gotten a lot better over the years handling those situations professionally. It used to be a little more dramatic than it is now."